Kyle McCord transferring Ohio State starting quarterback

Ohio State's Kyle McCord enters transfer portal, leaving quarterback position up for grabs. Devin Brown, Drew Allar, and others are candidates.

Monday's shocking news of Kyle McCord entering the transfer portal has thrown Ohio State's quarterback position into chaos. McCord, a five-star prospect from St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia, was Day's first quarterback recruit after succeeding Urban Meyer as coach. After two years as a backup to C.J. Stroud, McCord won a prolonged battle with redshirt freshman Devin Brown to become the starter this year. Now, with McCord's departure, Ohio State's Cotton Bowl game against Missouri is an opportunity for the next starter to stake their claim.

The candidates to be the starter for Ohio State in 2024 include Devin Brown, a dual-threat quarterback with superior running ability and a more outgoing and charismatic personality than McCord. Despite his third-string status on the depth chart, Brown was always determined not to transfer from Ohio State. Now, he'll presumably get his chance to start for the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl and prove himself as the front-runner for next season.

Another candidate is Kienholz, a true freshman from South Dakota who impressed coaches with his quick progress and saw action in two games this season. He is a promising prospect who could make the competition for starting quarterback a true battle.

Noland, a Georgia native and five-star prospect, is also in the running. Day seemed lukewarm about pursuing a quarterback through the transfer portal, but McCord's decision could change that. Several quarterbacks in the portal are intriguing, including Washington State's Cam Ward, DJ Uigalelei, Will Howard from Kansas State, and Coastal Carolina's Grayson McCall. As evidenced by McCord's decision, unexpected big names could join the portal, making the future of Ohio State's quarterback position even more uncertain.